In 2020, voters will elect members to the Whittier City School District Board of Directors in a way they never have before.

The board, in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act, is “undertaking an extensive process” to develop a map that divides the district into five trustee areas, officials said in a written statement.

Under the threat of a lawsuit, the school board changed how future voters will select trustees.

As he’s done to numerous school boards and city councils, attorney Kevin Shenkman of Malibu-based Shenkman & Hughes demanded in a letter that Whittier City switch from at-large elections to dividing the voting population into smaller districts — or face being sued.

A member of the public addresses the Whittier City School District Board of Education at the Jan. 16, 2018 public hearing regarding the change in board elections. Photo is courtesy of WCSD.

The board is working to gain feedback from the community to ensure that the voting districts are appropriate and truly reflect the way the community sees itself.

“It is critical to the board that this is a collaborative, transparent process that effectively reaches all residents and parents and gives them the opportunity to get involved,” board President Cecilia Perez said in a written statement. “We are considering all comments that are submitted so that we can ensure that the maps reflect the make-up and culture of our community.”

The district is hosting several public hearings, community open houses and one-on-one-meetings with the demographer to provide multiple opportunities for the public to get involved. During those meetings, the public can ask questions, request changes to existing maps or introduce new maps.

“The meetings and outreach definitely assist the community in understanding why we are moving to trustee areas and the advantages of local representation,” Superintendent Ron Carruth said in an email. “We’re thankful to have the community interested and engaged in shaping the future of our governance structure so that all of our schools meet the needs of the community.”

Upcoming meetings

The following pubic hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m.:

Feb. 6, at the district office, 7211 S. Whittier Ave. to review all maps and discuss unique elements

Sandra Molina is a native Southern Californian, the oldest of three children raised by a single mom who named her after Dodgers great Sandy Koufax. She grew up in Monterey Park, but was schooled in Tarzana, through busing, and East Los Angeles. She is a proud alumna of Garfield High School in East Los Angeles; Rio Hondo College in Whittier; and Cal State University at Long Beach, where she earned a BA degree in English Literature. She began a career as a freelance writer and photographer in the San Gabriel Valley in 1997, in addition to being a writer/photographer for GoGirlsMusic.com as its Los Angeles correspondent. She has been a reporter with the San Gabriel Valley News Group since 2007 writing features, breaking news, entertainment, sports and crime. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys music, reading, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

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